Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Results of the Wilma Rudolph Run

Well, six days after the race, they had the results posted, and it took me about that long to blog about it.

For the 10K, 86 (40 male, 46 female) finished. In my age group (40-44), I finished 7th out of 11 males and 8th for the whole age group. Overall, I finished 36th with an official time of 56:10, a 9:03 pace. I blogged earlier that my "unofficial" time was 55:08, at a 9:02 pace (actually it was an 8:54 pace - I put 6.1 miles when it should have been 6.2 miles for my calculation). Well, that really doesn't matter, because officially, it was 56:10 (9:03). The top male in the age group was at 42:39. The overall 10K winner finished in 36:37.

For the 5K, 106 (42 m, 64 f) finished. I was the second male finisher in the age group of 8 males and 3rd for the whole age group of 15. (The woman that finished ahead of me was the #1 woman overall). I finished 31st overall with a time of 28:40, a 9:14 pace. I had my time as 27:13, an 8:47 pace. The top male in my age group finished with a time of 21:52 and placed 5th overall. A big gap between 1 and 2 in our age group. The overall winner finished in 18:46.

I read in the reviews of the race that a couple of people said the 5K had timing problems. One person even thought the timing was off by five minutes. I was off only by about a minute-and-a-half, but I sure thought my time was better.

The also posted "combined results" for runners that ran both races. Seventeen people did so - 11 males and 6 females. I was the 8th male and 10th overall with a time of 1:24:29. The leader's time was 1:04:29.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Monday, June 28, 2010

I didn't run Thursday, because I left work early and we went to Mississippi. I packed some running shoes and clothes "just in case". I thought "maybe" I would run Friday - Derek was out of town, Holly was working, and Sherri was babysitting Max, so it wouldn't be like I was unsociable or anything. Instead, I watched some television shows discussing the career and death of Michael Jackson. I also took a pretty good nap that afternoon.

Saturday, maybe I'll run Saturday. No, not Saturday either. We shopped a few places - Sherri, Holly, and Max went were they wanted, and I went my own way. We ate at Applebee's and I was not impressed. I haven't been to one in about 10 years and do not think I will be visiting another one anytime soon, especially since Sherri wasn't too high on the food either. When we returned home, Holly and Sherri watched "Alice in Wonderland" with Johnny Depp. I tried, but I fell asleep. I was really tired, but with no apparent reason. That evening we went to the Huddle House to eat. My waffles were great! Eat was about all I did. Sherri and I picked up pizzas on the way to Mississippi, so I ate pizza on the way and leftovers as snacks the next two days. Holly had also bought some Krispy Kremes that I had for breakfast and snack. I lost control of my eating and from Thursday until Sunday, I gained 6 pounds.

Now on Monday, I had to get back to running. Even though I haven't ran since Wednesday, my legs ached a little, especially the knees. I thought that if I ran the pain would get worse. I had almost talked myself out of it, but I ran 3 miles. My legs didn't bother me at all, except for the usual tiredness after a run. It had rained earlier, but the sun was out without a threat of a cloud during the whole run. The shower had cooled the temperature my the mid-90's to the 80 degrees I ran in, which seemed much hotter. Miles 1 was 8:52, and Mile 2 was 8:54. I wasn't expecting anything under 9:00, so I was happy...until Mile 3. I tried to keep a descent pace during mile 3 with a strong sprint at the end. I thought with a good sprint I should finish Mile 3 at about the same pace as 1 and 2. No, it didn't work out that way. Mile 3 was 9:18, putting my overall pace at 9:01 (27:03). Dang, 3 seconds!

Since I was pushing hard at the end of Mile 3, my max heart rate hit 191. (I've hit 191 a few times and 193 once). My average was 168, while resting was at 60. My recovery was from 191 (because of the pushing at the end) to 132 - a 59 point spread. The highest drop that I have equalled once before.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

June 23, 2010 - 5 miles

Man, it was hot. The temperature was 93 degrees - not much different than the last couple of weeks, but today seemed different. Maybe it was just me. The heat really seemed to be bouncing off the pavement.

My calves have been sore since Monday's 3-miler. I could feel the soreness just walking, so I could really feel it while running. My shins only hurt now when I try to "stretch a little farther". I was really drained during and after this run. I really wanted to stop after hitting mile 4. I kept pushing, hoping to finish with a 10:00 pace. I did, and just barely at 49:59. My miles came slower and slower, from 9:31 on mile 1 to 10:32 for mile 5. My heart rates: avg 172, max 188, rest 79, with recovery from 181 to 161.

I usually complete my mileage about .5 to 1 mile away from home, so I can walk and cool down some. I also usually do not get a drink until after I have showered. Today, I was thirsty! I was really wanting a drink when I completed mile 5, but had about a mile to walk before I could get anything. I was wishing I had my phone to call Sherri to come get me (one reason I don't carry one). I even thought about sitting down on the side of the road. I continued on, though, with the sweat pouring off my head more than when I was running.

When I got home, I sat on the porch and drank a PowerAde. I then worked up the energy for a shower. My legs were very shaky and at times, I was afraid I would lose my balance.

CAUTION: The following is a little graphic and mainly for my memory.

Since I drank a PowerAde beforehand, I had to pee when I got out of the shower. (It is usually awhile before that happens). I peed quite a bit, too, which I wasn't expecting. However, what I REALLY wasn't expecting was that it was red! I mean, a steady flow of a clearish red - like it was supposed to be that color. I was beginning to get a little worried. The day after the races I peed a thick, deep yellow - reminded me of egg yokes. It is usually darker after I do some vigorous exercise, and even though this was darker and thicker than ever before, I didn't think anything about it. Later on that night when I peed again, I saw a little red and thought "blood!" Everything got better - until after the 5 mile run.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

June 21, 2010

I'm moving back a little on my schedule. Since I don't have any events planned until October, I'm not in a big rush to increase my mileage. The main reason for moving backwards, though, is because of the difficulty and failures I have had with my long runs the past few weeks. I am trying the 3,5,3,10 week again, which may be a failure this week. Sherri and I are going to Mississippi on Thursday, so I will miss that run. I doubt I make it up Friday and probably won't run my long run while there Saturday either.

Today's 3 miles were "easy does it". I knew I would need a little recovery from Saturday. My shins are still a little sore, and my calves began hurting the longer I ran. My pace was 9:30. My HR avg. 169, max 186, rest 80.

Monday, June 21, 2010

June 19, 2010 - Wilma Rudolph 10k and 5k

Well, I was waiting for the official results to be posted on-line before blogging about this 2 race day. Since the results still have not been posted 3 days after the race, my times are unofficial and I do not know where I placed.

Considering the way I felt after Wednesday's run and through Thursday and Friday, I felt really good Saturday morning. My stomach was going crazy, but it usually does before I head out for a race, ballgame, etc. I drank a coffee and ate some gummies on my drive. Once there, I went into the registration area and picked up my packet and Shane's packet. I sipped on some PowerAde and called Shane to see where he was at. He didn't answer, so I thought he decided not to come. I was about to walk around to the front where the race would start and end, when I looked up and saw Shane.

The 10k (my first) began at 7:00 am. Shane and I were towards the back of the runners, so we lost a few seconds (or minute) there. The "bunches" got on my nerves, so I weaved in and out to a place where I was pretty much by myself. Occasionally, someone would pass me. Less often than that, I would pass someone. The weather had been hot the last couple of weeks, but this morning was quite descent. It was cloudy with a nice little breeze. It thundered a couple of times in the distance and sprinkled for a couple of minutes.

After a couple of miles when the runners were strung out over the course, I wanted to keep a pace to keep the heavy footsteps (and breathing) behind me, but I was usually unable to do so. I set my sights on a guy that looked to be in my age group that was about 1/10th of a mile ahead of me. I knew I could muster up the energy to sprint past him. I took a few quick steps, then slowed back to my pace. If I spent so much energy in one burst, he would probably pass me on down the road. I thought to myself, "I have over 2 miles left to pass him. He's beginning to struggle. I'm going to remain at my pace and if I haven't passed him, I'm going to give it all I've got when the finish line is in sight." I passed him not long after mile 4. Now, my goal was to finish with a decent time and save some for the 5k. I finished with an unofficial time of 55:08, a 9:02 pace. (I ran my 2 half marathons at faster paces: 9:01 and 8:58), but I was happy with it because I really wanted to push myself in the 5k coming up in just over 30 minutes. After the 10k, a kid handed me a water and I took a sip or two before drinking some PowerAde and GatorAde - I don't care for water. I ate some more gummies and changed shirts.

For the 5k, Shane and I weaved our way to the middle of the starting pack. There were some kids and overweight people lined up ahead of us that had to know they weren't going to finish ahead of a lot of the people behind them. Nothing against them, I'm glad they are doing it and I hope they keep doing it. I've lost about 30 pounds. I was down almost 40 and gained some back when I quit running for awhile. I mean, I wasn't going to win the whole thing and probably wouldn't even place in my age group, but I was out to try to set a new Personal Record. Instead, I was already behind before I reached the Starting Line and spent the first half-mile stuck behind a slower runner and/or weaving in and out of slower traffic. That's just part of the sport, though, so I need to stop complaining.

I reached the Mile 1 marker at 8:21, just slightly behind the pace I needed to reach my goal of under 25:00. Mile 1 was adrenaline - I knew I could do it in under 25:00. That all faded somewhere in the middle of mile 2. I could feel the slowdown - the 10k catching up to me; the sun that had come out earlier was also draining me. The Mile 2 split was 8:39. 8:39! Two miles in 17:00 flat. A pace of 8:30, and I needed better than 8:20. I threw in the towel of a PR, but the run continued.

An older guy - probably in his 60's - was about 20-25 yards ahead of me. "I can't let him beat me." He seemed to be inching further away, when, to my surprise, he began walking! I was closing in now! Then another surprise. I was less than 10 yards from catching him, when he began running again. His pace was somewhat faster than mine and my tank was almost empty, so I abandoned that dream. Just finish... I did with the last 1.1 miles coming in at 10:13! My goal of under 25:00 finished at 27:13. A big disappointment.

Again, a kid handed me a water as I passed through the finish shoot. This time I drank about half and poured the other half on me. Shane finished not too far behind. We got in the shade for a few minutes and went to his truck for Dr. Peppers. I didn't get anything to eat or drink in the registration/awards area. And I couldn't cool down.

I got Shane into these 2 races and I didn't want to "run" out on him, but I had to rush home to go to Sherri's family reunion at Montgomery Bell. I would have liked to have stayed for the awards - not that I would have won anything, but to get an idea of where I stood. I probably would have got tired of waiting and left anyway. I saw a comment on www.active.com that someone left saying he/she didn't get their 10k award until 11:30. If you got an award, you more than likely finished before 8:00. The 5k winner was finished before 9:00. I think they allowed an hour to complete the 5k, which would have been 9:30, so it took 2.5 hours to figure it all out. I also saw that there was a problem with the timing.

Well, anyway, Sherri and I went to the reunion and sat out in the heat for 4 hours. It was outside, but we did have some electric fans. As long as you didn't move much, the heat wasn't that bad. If it wasn't for us (Sherri, Crissy, Lainey, Brandi, Ricky, Ricky's mom and stepfather, and me) and John, Terri, Colt, Jamie (and boyfriend), and Chelsea (and boyfriend), there wouldn't have been anybody there. There were only 6 other people out of the whole family tree. I guess they were afraid of the heat.

The End.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Did NOT Run

Well, I am missing the last scheduled run before race day. I just don't feel like it. I am weak. My legs are weak and tired, and I have a headache. My stomach also hurts. I feel like I am coming down with something.

Tuesday night after drinking about a gallon of water during the day, I had to get out of bed and go pee about 10 times. Wednesday night after drinking 2 gallons of water during the day, I did not have to get up at all during the night. I guess I sweated out every ounce during the 5 mile run.

I haven't ran in any events since the Oxford Half Marathon in February. I was looking forward to this weekend, but now I'm not so sure...

Bad Run - Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Today's 5 mile run was horrific. The night before I tossed and turned and did not get much sleep. And before my 5:30 pm run, I had only had a little cereal and 3 Oreo cookies all day. The lack of sleep and food caused a painful run. I have stopped and walked before, but I wanted to stop and either sit down or lie down. I usually end my run about a half mile or less from home, so I can walk and cool off some. Today, I was wishing I had my cell phone to call Sherri to come get me. This has to be one of the worst, if not the worst, runs of my life - not that I have all that many. I have felt worse post-run, but this was the worst in-run. I wasn't sure if I wasn't just going to fall over. Before I reached mile 3, I could feel my body searching my stomach for fuel - the tank was empty. Then I got chills that lasted until I got home and sat down on the porch. I never stopped sweating during the run and the sweat continued to pour off my head after I stopped. My head was on fire, but below my shoulders were cool.

I have been trying to drink more water, which, to me, is not a fun thing to do. I hate water. I am never too far away from a Dr. Pepper, but water seems to be a waste. The taste buds get all excited - then, nothing. I drank about a gallon on Tuesday and 2 gallons on Wednesday (during the day - pre-run). I think all the water reduced my appetite, which led to my painful experience. "Less water, more food" - that's something I have never said before. I have been needing to lose weight, but this was not the right time to go without food.

My time was 52:58. I knew before I headed out that I wanted to take it a little easy with the two races coming up. I am fine with the 10:36 pace; I'd rather it been closer to 10:00, but that's okay. The problem is the toil on my body. My legs were so tired, and still are. I feel so weak I don't know if I will be able to run Saturday.

Heart rate: 175 avg, 190 max, 56 resting. Recovery 170 to 160.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Monday, June 14, 2010

Today's 4-miler was quite a bit cooler. A short, hard rain brought the temperature from the 90's down to 75 degrees. I almost talked myself out of running; I kept telling myself that it was going to rain again. I finally made it out the door with the plan of running 3 miles if it began raining or 4 miles if it didn't.

After a 9:31 mile 1, I felt pretty good and decided to pick up the pace. After all, I was still mad at myself for not pushing the least little bit on Saturday's run. I deserved some type of punishment. And these last 3 miles were it. However, if you look at the times for those 3 miles, you wouldn't think I ran all that hard. I ran 9:06, 8:52, and 8:52, for an 8:56 pace. Since mile one was slower, the total run was 36:21 (a 9:05 pace).

My heart rates: 169 avg; 189 max; 74 resting. Recovery was 186 to 128 (I think this may be the biggest drop yet).

The pushing has caused some pain on my inner right knee and just below my right knee on the outside. I'm hoping this goes away soon.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

11 Miles - I DON'T THINK SO! YOU LOSER!

Before I start yelling at myself, I have something to say in my defense. I did cover 11 miles, and the goal is to finish, right?

"Yes, the goal is to finish! But finish it running (jogging), not walking! Especially not walking when you walked so much during the run! The only time you should finish a run by walking is if your leg is broken!"

I got up at 6:30, but took my time in getting ready to run. My run began at 9:00. I only had a cup of coffee, some PowerAde, and a sip of water. The average temperature during my run was around 94 degrees. The heat index was triple digits. One reason I ran in the morning rather than my usual afternoon time. I was soaked with sweat and had nowhere on my shirt to wipe the sweat from my face. I sweat profusely. I blame it on the tick fever (Rocky Mountain Spotted fever) I had when I was a freshman in high about 18 years ago. Even though I outran them in sprints, some teammates accused me of not exerting myself in practice, because I didn't sweat much. Now, I sweat just thinking about doing something.

The first 5 miles were not too bad. After a 9:42 mile one, I told myself I needed to slow down; I needed to finish and a 10:30 to 11:00 pace would be okay. After 5 miles, I walked up to my truck and got my PowerAde. I ended up walking the "whole 6 mile". I ran mile 7 in 11:50. I walked the last 4 miles with a little jog sprinkled in a couple of times. Another failure. Yes, it was hot, but I should have kept up the jog for the entire time. Speaking of time, it took me 2:32:25 for a 13:51 pace. Pitiful!

My Heart Rate average was a low 158; 184 max; 64 resting. Recovery from 144 to 136 - not much difference since I wasn't doing anything!

This was a very disappointing day, especially considering I have a 5k and 10k coming up next weekend.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Thursday June 10, 2010 - 4 Miles

I ran at around 6:30 (about an hour later than the day before). The temperature was the same for both runs (81 degrees). I thought Wednesday was hot and humid, but it paled in comparison with this run. At times, I felt like I was smothering. Shane posted on his blog that one of his business partners said, "It is so humid out there you could stir it with a stick." Try running through it - you believe it.

I felt like I was running in place during the first mile, which actually was my fastest of the 4 miles (8:48). Mile 2 was at 8:52. When I realized I had a chance of completing the run in a pace under 9:00, I stepped it up a little. So I thought. Mile 3 was 9:24; Mile 4 9:21. The harder and faster I thought I ran ended up being my two slowest miles. My total time was 36:24 for a 9:06 pace.

Heart Rates: avg. 171; Max. 190; Min. 70. Recovery from 190 to 136.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Not a Bad 5

Today's 5 miles wasn't exactly easy, but it did feel better than the last few runs. It was only 81 degrees, but it had rained earlier, so I was SOAKED with sweat.

It was less than an eventful day, so here are the stats: 47:15 for a 9:26 pace. Mile 1 - 9:03; M2 - 9:31; M3 - 9:42; M4 - 9:38; M5 - 9:17. Heart Rate average - 173; max - 193; rest - 70. I think this is a new max; I will have to look back. Recovery was from my max 193 to 140.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Monday, June 7, 2010 - 4 Miles in New Rides

In my last post, I wrote that I was repeating the 3,5,3,10 schedule. Well, I changed my mind. I thought to myself, "I'm not going to get anywhere by running in place." So, after 2 weeks of failing to complete the scheduled runs, I moved on. This week calls for 4,5,4,11.

I completed the 4 miles in 37:55 (a 9:29 pace) in my new Under Armour Illusion 2's. I had some hot spots. During the first mile or so, my heels felt hot; Later on, my toes, especially big toes and right behind them felt hot. I also felt as if my shoe was hitting the pavement just right to set off an echo. I contribute this to being new shoes. I really like my original UA Illusions, so hopefully these will be even better. In my originals, it almost feels like I'm running barefooted, but without having to worry about stepping on anything that would hurt my foot. In the UA 2's, it feels like more cushioning has been added and the shoe is a little heavier, but that doesn't bother me. I can't wait to see how they feel when I get some mileage on them.

My weight is the highest it has been in a year. I didn't weigh this much when I wasn't running after hurting my knee.

My Heart Rates: 166 avg; 184 max; 58 resting (under 60!). My recovery was 174 to 130 (I still need to look up what that means).

My times by mile: Mile 1 - 9:21, M2 - 9:38, M3 - 9:38, M4 - 9:17. Nothing spectacular, but was surprised at the consistency of the middle 2 miles and the outer 2 miles.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Ten Again - Saturday, June 5, 2010

Well, I was able to do the 10 miler I couldn't complete last Saturday. My time was horrific - 01:57:23 (11:44 pace). I have ran my only 2 half marathons in around the same time. I blame the extra 12 pounds, the fact I missed Wednesday and Thursday runs, and the 94 degree heat.

Before my run, I drove out to the Animal House Veterinary Clinic to pick up my new Under Armour Illusion 2 running shoes, my brother, Shane (Dr. Sykes), had ordered for me. I wasn't going to run in them today, because I didn't want to do a long run in new shoes. I will try them out Monday in a 3 miler.

I have decided that I will try the 3,5,3,10 schedule again - for the third time. First time, I was unable to do the 10 miler; second time, I missed 2 of the week's runs and the 10 miler was slow and tough.

I started out carrying a water bottle in my hand. It was quite a nuisance. I took my first sip at mile 2. About a quarter mile later, I ditched it. The water was already warm from the heat from my hand and the heat from the sun. Plus, the hindrance of it. I had just completed mile 5 when I was back at my truck. I could quit now! But I didn't! I lost some time as I walked to my truck and got the PowerAde I had poured into a water bottle, instead of having to carry the bigger PowerAde bottle. For some reason, this water bottle didn't seem to be the burden the first bottle had been. Maybe it was because I was running much slower than before. I drank little and often, slowing to a walk to drink, which added to my time - I think. I'm not sure, but the walk may have been faster than my run.

I was thinking I would have some time to relax - maybe even a nap - before I had to go to a wedding, but I was wrong. As soon as I got home, I had to rush to get ready. No relaxation at all.

It was a poor performance, but I did complete the 10 miles. Hopefully, the 10 mile time will improve next Saturday. If it had not been for Shane saying he would read my blog to see if I did it, I would have probably stopped after 5 miles. Thanks, Shane, for pushing me!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

This should have been yesterday's run, but I took it off for Memorial Day. I took Memorial Day off, because I had eaten tons of junk over the weekend. Plus, I had the 10 mile run failure. I was afraid of how bad I would hurt when I ran again - my legs and my stomach.

I ran 3 easy miles, and it wasn't that bad. I will need to run 3 days in a row to get back on schedule. Well, not actually back on schedule. I have decided I will repeat last week's schedule with the hope of completing the 10 mile run this Saturday. So, instead of running 4,5,4,11 this week, I will be retrying the 3,5,3,10.

I completed today's run in 28:55 (9:38 pace), with heart rates of 163 avg, 180 max, and 70 resting. Recovery from 178 to 127.